*** PREVIOUS RESULTS *** Last week, AVweb asked whether an instrument rating automatically makes a pilot safer.
The largest segment of our respondents (34%) thought this was a no-brainer: “Any extra training makes a pilot better” (and safer), they told us.
A second segment (four fewer respondents than the previous group) agreed with our statement that judgement is more important to safety than weather conditions or instrument ratings – but being instrument-rated can improve a pilot’s judgement and make his flying safer.
22% of you agreed that an instrument-rated pilot is better prepared to address unsafe conditions – and so, in a sense, is a “safer pilot.”
A mere 7% of you reminded us that weather is a notorious killer of pilots – and an instrument rating is a license to fly in bad weather. And the remaining 3% thought an instrument rating can foster a false sense of confidence, which can actually make pilots less safe.
*** THIS WEEK’S QUESTION ***
This week, AVweb wants to know how you feel about pulling the ‘chute – or at least having the option. Given the choice, would you rather fly an aircraft that has a full-aircraft parachute system?
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NOTE:
This address is only for suggested QOTW questions, and not for QOTW answers or comments.
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AVweb’s Question of the Week …
Key Takeaways:
- A large majority of respondents (86%) believe an instrument rating enhances pilot safety, citing reasons such as the value of extra training, improved judgment, and better preparedness for unsafe conditions.
- A minority (10%) holds a more cautious view, suggesting an instrument rating can be a license to fly in dangerous weather or might foster a false sense of confidence, potentially making pilots less safe.
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